In this part of the world, the idea of a group of vigilantes taking justice into their own hands rarely is thought to be a good thing. When the group of vigilantes is also self-described as a gang the idea has even less appeal. But Banda, a blip on India’s vast geographic radar, is not like our part of the world.
Banda is one of India’s “poorest and most regressive districts. Located in the heart of the populous northern state of Uttar Pradesh, this 3,061 sq km region infested by dacoits, or bandits, invariably makes headlines for all the wrong reasons – drought, starvation, domestic violence, land-grabbing, killings and a thoroughly corrupt administration.”*
The Gulabi Gang protects the powerless from those who abuse their power. They retaliate against violence of brutal husbands, they crack down on those who abandon their families. They fight corruption and they force reluctant police officers to register cases for underprivileged people.
This “Pink Gang” is made up of several thousand women in pink saris, each of them poor and illiterate. By joining the Gang, they come to discover in themselves strength and courage. They fight for dignity and for the rights of the humble ones.
“Pink” for women, “Gang” for not being submissive! say founder, Sampat Devi Pal
Sampat Pal wants to do more but needs help.
* She wants to teach the Gulabi Gang women to read, to write and to do math.
* She wants to teach them sewing to help them to make a living.
You can learn more about the Gulabi Gang and their mission plus links to articles and more videos at gulabigang.org
